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YWCA 21 Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge 2020

News & Events, ,

The 21 Day Challenge is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. Participants will receive curated articles, podcasts, activities and more right in their inbox. Emails will begin going out Monday, Aug. 3, and continue (Monday –Friday) through Aug. 31.

Taking part in an activity like this helps participants discover how racial inequity and social injustice affect our community and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

“YWCA Walla Walla is proud to partner with our sister associations to help our valley engage in issues related to racial equity and social justice. We have seen a shift in our nation where more and more of us are wanting to learn, grow, and take action to make a difference in the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin, Executive Director.

Sign up to receive daily emails during the 21 Day Challenge, each with content relating to racial equity and social justice. As you encounter this material, you may feel challenged, empowered, or intrigued. You might even feel uncomfortable, and that’s OK.  These issues are not easy. Most of all, we hope you’ll feel better prepared to talk about race and racial justice in your daily life and in your community..  

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for a confirmation email (check junk or promotions folders if you don’t see it) and let your email program know the message is from an approved sender so your emails will get through. 
 
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My interest:


YWCA’s challenge was inspired by Food Solutions New England. They were the first to adapt an exercise from Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving’s book into the interactive 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits and bring awareness to issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. This program was first adapted by YWCA Cleveland and is now being widely adapted and shared by YWCAs across the United States. We are particularly grateful to YWCA of Central Virginia for their help with acquiring resources.

Previous days’ challenges

08/12/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 8

08/11/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 7

08/10//2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 6

08/07/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 5

08/06/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 4

08/05/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 3

08/04/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 2

08/03/2020 – Welcome to the 21 Day Challenge! Today is Day 1

Please note: Occasionally a link will take you to a site like YouTube, where an ad will start to play; you can click “Skip ads” to move on to the intended content. Other sites may display pop-ups soliciting donations. These generally have an “X” in the upper-right corner that you can close to continue to the content. Also, we made an effort to avoid linking to resources that require a subscription to view.

Any ads or opinions you encounter are not necessarily endorsed by YWCA Walla Walla.

JOB OPENING: YWCA Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

Careers,
We're hiring!

JOB TITLE: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

REPORTS TO: Director of Client Services

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full time, flexible hours, non-exempt

JOB PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Advocate for and provide service to domestic violence and sexual assault clients

SUMMARY OF DUTIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

  1. Provide professional representation for the YWCA with YWCA clients and the Walla Walla community.
  2. Become trained in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy and crisis response.
  3. Work with domestic violence and sexual assault clients in determining and accessing needed services.
  4. Provide individual empowerment-focused advocacy and assist with support groups.
  5. Provide on-call crisis services as needed.
  6. Complete intakes and provide a wide range of advocacy services, which may include medical, legal, and personal advocacy, information and referrals, crisis intervention and ongoing support, emergency transportation, and crime victim’s compensation information.
  7. Collaborate with community agencies to meet the needs of YWCA clients.
  8. Remain current in sexual assault and domestic violence training requirements.
  9. Complete all required forms, and maintain paper and digital files in a timely and accurate manner 
  10. Maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding clients, staff, and YWCA business in accordance with laws, contracts, and YWCA policy. 

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS/ABILITIES

  1. Valid Washington driver’s license and current proof of insurance on file at the YWCA 
  2. Ability to pass a Washington Criminal History check
  3. Ability to drive and transport clients in agency vehicle.
  4. Ability to work with diverse populations with an outgoing, friendly, equitable and welcoming manner
  5. Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with all YWCA staff and the general public
  6. Demonstrate an open and creative mind receptive to new ideas and solutions
  7. Ability to give and receive information effectively orally and in writing 
  8. Commitment to increasing cultural competency
  9. Ability to project a positive and professional image of the YWCA to the all communities.
  10. Ability to perform duties and follow policies and procedures 
  11. Ability to plan, organize and complete all tasks with a minimum of supervision
  12. Flexible work style able to accommodate frequent interruptions
  13. Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs, reach, pull, stand, sit and read the computer
  14. Ability to use a computer and software appropriate to job 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

The ideal candidate may also have:

  • Spanish language skills as well as English. 
  • Experience with communicating and working well with survivors from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variance, differing abilities.
  • Experience and ease in working with children
  • Experience in maintaining accurate and timely documentation of client files. 
  • Experience working independently with limited supervision.
  • Experience working as part of a team environment.
  • Knowledge of community resources and other partnering agencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS POSITION
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In performing this position, the employee:

  • May sit for long periods of time in meetings or while using computer.
  • Frequently travels to multiple local locations for off-site meetings. 
  • Uses speech, hearing, and sight in exchanging information with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations and other individuals in the community. 
  • Occasionally lifts/carries up to 50 pounds in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings. 
  • Climbs stairs, reaches outward, stands, squats, kneels, bends, and walks in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings.

EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THIS POSITION
The emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In performing this position, the employee:

  • May be exposed to strong emotions.
  • Must be ready to help de-escalate and defuse crisis situations.
  • May find that client stories and experiences bring up uncomfortable memories or trigger emotional reactions, and must be prepared to seek appropriate self-care.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All or any portion of this job description is subject to elimination, modification or addition at any time at the discretion of the YWCA.

POSITION DETAILS

Position: YWCA Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, full time, Monday – Friday

Salary Range: $15 – $18 per hour, depending on qualifications

Benefits*

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Employee Share of insurance: 10% via payroll deduction
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • YWCA Retirement Fund: 10% employer-paid with 4% match by fund
    – Employee may contribute up to 10%, after tax, in addition
    – Eligible after working 1,000 hours in two twelve-month periods
  • Two weeks paid vacation per year
  • 8 hours per month sick leave
  • Two paid personal days per year

*This description of benefits is in summary only.  Plan documents are the final determinant of benefit details and eligibility.

HOW TO APPLY

You may apply in the following ways:

Mary Byrd, Director of Client Services
YWCA Walla Walla
213 S. First Avenue
Walla Walla, WA  99362
MByrd@ywcaww.org

This position is open until filled.

It is the policy of the YWCA to consider all applications for employment equally without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, marital status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The YWCA does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications.  All application materials for posted positions will be retained for one year from the date received.  The purpose of this policy is to ensure that YWCA employment practices are equitable, consistently applied, in compliance with Federal and State laws, and in compliance with any contractual obligations set forth by our funding agencies, so long as those obligations are not superseded by said law. 

You can still watch YWCA Virtual Luncheon 2020

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What do you do when a coronavirus pandemic forces you to postpone a luncheon that typically brings in more than $150,000 of your fundraising budget? How can you continue to provide essential domestic violence and sexual assault services to your community?

1. One answer is that you get by with a little (make that a LOT of) help from your friends!

Our sponsors (shown below and during the luncheon recording) and our loyal donors have rallied to help YWCA weather the virus. They’ve sent notes of encouragement and cards with checks tucked inside.

2. The other answer is that you take your efforts and your mission to the virtual realm. So on May 6, we had an online (Bring Your Own Lunch) luncheon!

The event, which you can view above, includes a message from one of our most loyal donors, a tour of the YWCA Domestic Violence Women’s shelter, updates from the Living in New Circumstances (LiNC) life skills program and a meeting with Mariposa leaders, who talk about their work with fifth-grade girls.

To add a little fun, we had a drawing for a YWCA Swag Bag, a post-quarantine lunch at the YWCA for the winner and a friend, and a 30-pack of Kirkland toilet paper, which you may notice Anne-Marie and Carol avoid mentioning by name on video.

More than 145 supporters attended the virtual luncheon LIVE, but it’s not too late to find out more about what your past support has made possible and what YWCA Walla Walla is planning for the future.

Also, we still plan to honor our commitment to the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center and its currently furloughed employees with an in-person 2020 YWCA Leadership Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 6. If gathering is safe by then, we look forward to seeing you to celebrate our community’s resilience!

YWCA Leadership Circle Members

Protection Order Clinic an essential service for survivors

Other,

While working from home is prescribed for all nonessential services, YWCA continues to offer the Domestic Violence Protection Order (PO) Clinic.

“I’ve been asked by family and friends if I am still working,” said advocate Jessica Matthews. “The need for protection and shelter for women fleeing from an abusive partner does not diminish during a global pandemic. In fact, we may see a rippling effect and an increase in need.”

The PO Clinic assists individuals filing for protection orders in Walla Walla County. YWCA Advocates can help fill out the necessary forms, and they accompany anyone having their requests for protection reviewed by a judge or court commissioner.

Advocates meet with clients in the third-floor law library, a secure location that offers privacy.

“These documents can be overwhelming on a good day, but even more so during a stressful time like this,” said Jessica.

Jacob Hafen is one of YWCA’s newest advocates and attended the PO Clinic as part of his job training. “During this tumultuous time in everyone’s lives, we are striving to hold even tighter to the flame of hope.”

A pre-crisis bright spot he experienced was receiving a donation of toys and activities.

“Walking in to the shelter with a big bag of goodies and seeing all of the children’s eyes light up felt like Christmas in March. It was wonderful seeing the mothers of these kids ease up. Someone was taking some of the weight off of their shoulders and helping them to take care of their kids.”

Moments like this, Jacob said, make shelter work rewarding. “Survivors need tender moments of support and giving even more now. It’s about being there with other people going through life with all its struggles and pains and aches, then helping them thrive and grow and move on with their lives.”

COVID-19: Caring for our community

Other,
News & Events at the YWCA

To our community and our program participants:

Your safety, and the safety of our program participants and staff, is our highest priority. Please continue to take care of yourself, and thank you for isolating for the good of our community.

YWCA Walla Walla leadership continues to respond to the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus) pandemic with measures designed to both address the safety of our program participants and our staff, and to continue to provide the essential services for which our community depends upon YWCA.

*At this time, we intend to run all programs and functions as normal, particularly the domestic violence shelter, an essential service, with the following exceptions:

Meetings and Meeting Spaces

Support Group Sessions and LINC classes: We will not be holding in-person support groups due to the risk of transmitting this virus within a group. We are working to offer these services through conference calls facilitated by each group’s regular YWCA staff member. Advocates will provide group members with more information.

My Friends’ House remains open:  For the present time, we are operating My Friends’ House childcare. We know how important this is to your family. However, if you have a child in our program, and your child – or parents or other family members – are sick, please do not bring them. If you do, we will have to ask you to take them home. Tabitha Haney will be in contact with families.

Adventure Club: We may operate a full-day option for school-age kids, depending upon the needs of our families. Call the office at 509-525-7034 for the latest information or to express your care needs. We are also waiting to hear if any additional business closures are mandated. (updated 3-18-20)

Large gatherings canceled: In keeping with the statewide ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, the YWCA Leadership Luncheon has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Nov. 4. The Believe event is less than six months away, and we don’t yet know if it may be affected. (updated 3-18-20)

Stand Against Racism events between April 23 and 26, including guest speaker Timothy Golden’s presentation, will be held at a later date.

Community rental of YWCA facilities: We will not be renting out any of our spaces for external groups or for staff use.

Visiting YWCA office

Our office hours: The office will be open during this time from 9-6 M-Th and 8:30-5:30 Fridays.

Donations: Due to potential staffing issues and the possibility of infection, we have decided to take a break from receiving clothing donations. Thank you for continuing to think of us during this time.

Appointments: Some staff may be working from home. If you have an appointment with a staff member, please confirm that the person will be in the office. If you do not know their number, please call our office at 509-525-2570.

If you are sick: Please do not come to our offices if you or anyone in your family or friend circles are already sick or are showing flu-like symptoms. If you need assistance, please call our office at 509-525-2570 and you will be directed to someone who can address your concerns.

In case of crisis: Our 24/7 Crisis Line continues to be available. To talk to an advocate, please call 509-529-9922.  

 *Subject to change as we receive further directives.

YWCA responds to coronavirus concerns

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COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear YWCA Friends and Partners:

Thank you for helping people face challenges every day with dignity and peace. In this time of uncertainty, we want you to know that your investment in the empowerment of people is working. Here’s what we’re doing to keep critical services to women and families going in the midst of COVID-19.

Daily, we monitor the health information and guidance provided by our local and state public health agencies. Our state domestic violence coalition, in partnership with the King County health department, is providing excellent support specific to shelters.

We are currently operating programs and services as usual. (See update.) At this time, we are fortunate that there are no reported confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Walla Walla County. However, we urge those considered most vulnerable due to age or health concerns to take every precaution to protect your health. 

We are continuing to follow our very thorough housekeeping and janitorial protocols and have increased the number of cleanings daily. Our staff is disinfecting all hard surfaces, including stair rails, counters, door handles, etc.

Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer are available in the lobby. Like most homes and organizations, we will run out of hand sanitizer shortly, and all supplies are back ordered for months. Fortunately, the best and most effective defense remains frequent and thorough hand washing with plenty of water and soap.

Throughout the YWCA we have posted information from public health agencies on how each of us can help to prevent the spread of illness, practice proper hand washing, and cough/sneeze etiquette.  We thank each of you for “self-quarantining” at home if you are sick.

We will continue to monitor the situation locally and will update you about any changes we make to our services. You can also stay current on what’s happening in our community at the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health website. 

Visit the CDC website for more information on hand-washing procedures. 

  

Gesa and Life Church part of amazing community

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Denise Shives, 2019 Board President, presented two community awards at the Year in Review.

The first went to Gesa Credit Union, our Business Partner of the Year. Gesa invited Denise and Executive Director Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin to their regional meeting to educate 500 Gesa employees about domestic violence, a great YWCA opportunity.

Gesa employees raced to assemble care bags for women in their communities who have experienced domestic violence.

The meeting concluded with a memorable Gesa give-back. Large tubs were brought in to the room filled with toiletries such as full-size shampoos and conditioners, deodorants — all the basics a woman would need for personal care. Then employees at each table grabbed Gesa tote bags and raced to fill them with one of each toiletry item as well as a note of encouragement.

In 15 minutes, 500 employees assembled 2,500 care bags that each Gesa branch could deliver to the shelter in their community.

Life Church was named our 2019 Community Partner.

Life Church members prepared a dizzying array of desserts to complete a meal of assorted roast meats, salads, veggie sides — even mac and cheese for the little ones in shelter.

Several weeks ahead of the holidays, the church began working with YWCA staff to host a Christmas party for families in shelter and former residents.
Eighty-five church members arranged activities planned with extreme care for the comfort and dignity of shelter families, some of whom needed confidentiality for their safety.

Thank you, Gesa and Life Church!

Quiet Force: Women who make things happen

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  • Jan oversees the homeless camp from
    6 to 10 pm nearly every day of the year
  • Ana is the single mother of two disabled adults who persistently advocates for them.
  • Annelise is a photographer and doula who supports and lifts up women


  • Formerly homeless, Annett founded Hope Heals to help the homeless and newly homed
All the women participate in a photo session and interview. No photos or words are shared without their consent.

YWCA Walla Walla is co-organizing a project with photographer Augusta Sparks Farnum and Whitman College Community Fellow Jessie Brandt to capture voices of women in our community (Walla Walla and Columbia counties), and we need your help. We aren’t necessarily looking for the first person who springs to mind as a traditional leader. (Though she might be.)
We want to find women who are a quiet force, who keep things moving, who show up, who get things done. She may be part of a group that has been historically under-represented. She may be someone a little unexpected or unsung. We welcome an array of ages, experiences, and perspectives. In fact, we’re counting on it. Our intention is to amplify voices that may not have been widely heard.

With each woman’s consent, the results will be shared on social media during 2020 and culminate in an exhibit, book, or similar project. Each woman involved will have a chance to approve her image and any shared text.

If someone comes to mind who you’d like to see included in this project, we would love to hear from you. Click here to suggest a woman you know.

Adventure Club kids learning skills through play time

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If you ask YWCA director of childcare, Tabitha Haney, what she loves most about her Adventure Club staff, she might tell you that they never shrink from a challenge.
When she presented the staff with information about the School’s Out Washington program, they knew it would be hard work and could make Adventure Club better for the kids in the program, so they couldn’t wait to get started.

ALWAYS LEARNING
School’s Out Washington believes that education for young people doesn’t stop when the school day ends, and that after-school care programs, like YWCA Adventure Club, should be high-quality Extended Learning Opportunities, or ELOs.

Rhena Burt, Adventure Club Site Coordinator, said, “I was excited that we would be one of Walla Walla’s first afterschool childcare programs to focus
on ELOs. How exciting to get to learn more about things we can do to make our program better!”

A SOWA trainer, Kandy Whitaker, visited Adventure Club at Davis Elementary in College Place, the club’s location during the school year. She observed the staff and activities and shared her impressions about the program.

“We’ve had a couple of assessments now, which helped us choose three areas to set goals in. We decided the most important area to focus on was skill building, because so many skills touch on other areas. With skills like problem-solving, for example, kids are empowered to help themselves
get through challenges,” said Rhena. “We’re also working on
leadership opportunities for kids and on helping children learn to be
more reflective.”

School’s Out trainers and coaches are highly knowledgeable and up to
date on the latest developments in school-age care, youth development
and best practices. “Kandy will be training us on how to achieve our goals,” said Rhena, “and help us create fun ways for our wide range of ages to build new skills together.”

SUMMER OR AFTER SCHOOL
Adventure Club accepts school-age children kindergarten through sixth grade for afterschool care, located at Davis Elementary in College Place; we can arrange transportation from Walla Walla schools if needed.

YWCA kicks off year of vision

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Nearly 100 friends of YWCA Walla Walla gathered on Monday, Feb. 3, to  celebrate the accomplishments of 2019 and the supporters who made it possible — you! 

YWCA staff highlighted several programs that your gifts moved forward last year.  Mary Byrd, Director of Client Services, started a support group for women at the Walla Walla County Jail, women who have faced an extraordinary amount of trauma throughout their lives of which sexual assault and abuse are only part. 

Deana York, LiNC Educator, expanded the program to include LiNC 2.0, a more advanced look at life skills and a chance for survivors of violence to continue moving forward to a full, independent life. 

Aliza Anderson-Diepenbrock and Amara Killen, Mariposa leaders, shared what they are doing at Walla Walla elementary schools to help girls build healthy friendships and  spot relationship red flags that could lead to a life of violence.  Your generosity at the 2019 leadership luncheon expanded this program to every Walla Walla public school.

Tabitha Haney, director of childcare, reported on the work My Friends’ House and Adventure Club did in 2019 to secure ever higher ratings and continue to train staff to provide the highest quality care for children ages 1 to 12.

We celebrated four retiring board members for their many years of YWCA service — Anne Moore (pictured, above, with Events and Donor Relations Coordinator Kirsten Schober), Brenda Michels, Kristine Holtzinger, and Rhonda Olson, but we hope they’ll remember: “We never say goodbye at the Y [WCA]!”

Several volunteers, staff and board members were recognized for extraordinary contributions. Among these wonderful volunteers was Leslie Bumgardner, Walla Walla Community Hospice Chaplain, who created and taught with Beki Buell a 40-hour domestic violence and sexual assault core training program for YWCA employees, volunteers, and community college students.

Kathy Jones was recognized for five years of weekly visits to sort and organize the emergency clothing closet, making it a pleasant place to visit with new things to discover each time.

And Kendra Nelson Wenzel was recognized for her ongoing service to the YWCA. As a long-time member of the nominating committee, she has recruited many of our outstanding board members and introduced others to the mission by bringing them to YWCA events.

The board recognized Sonia Godinez for outstanding custodial, grounds, and maintenance work, and staff thanked Teresa Larson for her invaluable support as a board member. YWCA advocates recognized Daphne Gallegos for her four years as a volunteer while at Whitman plus Community Fellow, Intern, and now a fellow YWCA advocate.

The person possibly the most responsible for making this particular event happen, in 2020 and for the past 25 years, is Penny Hawkins. Every year she puts on an amazing lunch for our guests, and manages it for what she often says is about the cost of a Happy Meal. This year she had a little help from Indian Cuisine of Walla Walla, who she arranged to donate na’an to complement her delicious “Chicks in Charge” Chickpea Salad. This is Penny’s last year to cater the lunch, so the YWCA staff is feeling particularly grateful for all her years of service.

VISION 2020. The Year in Review gathering is also about looking ahead to the future.

Augusta Sparks Farnum and Whitman Community Fellow Jessie Brandt introduced the Quiet Force project, which will focus on women we believe should be seen and heard.

Board President Carol Allen displayed the new YWCA Strategic Plan, which will keep the YWCA vision in focus throughout 2020. To review the YWCA vision, see the gray box below, and check out the 2019 YWCA Report to the Community, available in the office.